Brief History of Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton is a name synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless style. Founded in 1854 by Louis Vuitton himself, the brand originally specialized in high-quality travel trunks designed to cater to the elite. Over the decades, Louis Vuitton has expanded its offerings to include leather goods, apparel, and accessories while maintaining its reputation for excellence. One of the most sought-after categories in the brand’s lineup is its backpacks, which blend functionality with high fashion.
Louis Vuitton introduced its first backpack, the Montsouris, in 1994. This marked the beginning of a new era, where luxury brands redefined the traditional school bag by infusing it with premium materials and iconic monogram patterns. Due to the immense popularity of this style, Louis Vuitton has since released numerous recurring and limited-edition backpacks for both men and women. Today, Louis Vuitton backpacks remain an essential accessory for those looking to combine elegance with practicality. Whether you seek a classic design or a fashion-forward statement piece, there is a Louis Vuitton backpack to suit every lifestyle. Below, we explore some of the most iconic and beloved Louis Vuitton backpack styles.
Montsouris Backpack
The Montsouris backpack, named after Parc Montsouris in Paris, was Louis Vuitton’s first foray into the backpack market. Originally released in 1994, the Montsouris quickly became a staple, beloved for its blend of sophistication and everyday usability. The original design featured the classic Monogram canvas with a vachetta leather base, a drawstring closure, and a secure flap with a buckle.
In 2017, Louis Vuitton updated the Montsouris, refining its silhouette and removing the vachetta leather base for a sleeker look. The modern Montsouris retains the timeless appeal of its predecessor while offering enhanced durability. In 2020, the brand introduced a Monogram Empreinte leather version, adding a luxurious texture to the classic design. Originally available in three sizes—PM, MM, and GM—the updated version is only available in one size, comparable to the MM. With its elegant yet functional design, the Montsouris remains the quintessential Louis Vuitton backpack, perfect for daily use.
Palm Springs Backpack
First released in 2016, the Palm Springs backpack became an instant success and remains one of the most popular Louis Vuitton backpacks today. Designed for modern, on-the-go lifestyles, this stylish and versatile bag comes in three sizes: Mini, PM, and MM.
The Mini Palm Springs backpack, in particular, has gained a cult following, frequently featured in limited-edition collections such as the League of Legends collaboration. Thanks to its compact design and removable straps, the Palm Springs backpack offers multiple carrying options. It can be worn as a traditional backpack, carried as a shoulder bag, or styled as a crossbody or sling bag, making it an excellent choice for fashion-forward individuals who value adaptability.
Discovery Backpack
The Discovery backpack is a testament to Louis Vuitton’s ability to blend modern luxury with urban practicality. Introduced during Kim Jones’ tenure as the men’s creative director (2011–2018), this backpack played a significant role in redefining Louis Vuitton’s menswear accessories. Jones, known for his innovative vision, collaborated with renowned brands such as Supreme, Fragment, and the Chapman Brothers to create limited-edition collections that became instant hits.
The Louis Vuitton x Supreme collaboration, in particular, remains one of the most legendary partnerships in luxury fashion history, with the entire collection selling out within a day. Even after Jones’ departure, his designs, including the Discovery backpack, continued to evolve under Virgil Abloh’s leadership. Abloh introduced exclusive reinterpretations of the Discovery backpack, further cementing its status as a must-have item for Louis Vuitton collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Christopher Backpack
Another standout in Louis Vuitton’s lineup is the Christopher backpack, which was initially made popular under Kim Jones before being reimagined by Virgil Abloh. Featuring a rugged yet sophisticated design, the Christopher backpack is known for its large capacity, leather straps, and drawstring closure, making it both stylish and functional.
One of the most coveted versions of this bag is from Abloh’s Prism collection, released as part of his debut Spring/Summer 2019 collection for Louis Vuitton. The iridescent, futuristic aesthetic of the Prism Christopher backpack captured the essence of Abloh’s groundbreaking vision for the brand. Following his passing in November 2021, items designed by Abloh have become highly collectible, with his limited-edition Louis Vuitton backpacks gaining even greater value among fashion connoisseurs.
Louis Vuitton backpacks are more than just accessories—they are a seamless blend of artistry, luxury, and practicality. Whether you are drawn to the timeless appeal of the Montsouris, the versatility of the Palm Springs, the contemporary edge of the Discovery, or the statement-making Christopher backpack, there is a Louis Vuitton backpack for every taste and occasion.
As the brand continues to push the boundaries of design and innovation, Louis Vuitton backpacks remain at the forefront of fashion, embodying the heritage and prestige of one of the world’s most iconic luxury houses. Whether you are a collector or simply looking for a stylish and functional bag, choosing a Louis Vuitton backpack ensures a perfect balance of elegance and everyday usability.
Buy and Sell Louis Vuitton Backpacks at Sotheby's
Sotheby's always has a curated selection of the top Louis Vuitton bags available for immediate purchase. Expect to find rare and collectible Neverfull and Speedy bags in addition to other popular Louis Vuitton bags in pristine condition. Sotheby's handbag sales include rare Louis Vuitton bags in limited edition prints. Sotheby's sometimes sells Louis Vuitton at auction with most items sold at No Reserve.
Prices for Louis Vuitton bags start at $1,000, with the Brown Monogram Pochette representing the entry-level option. Prices for the most sought-after limited-edition Louis Vuitton pieces range from $7,000 to $45,000.
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